Adult Learning Courses in Video & Audio Production

Adult Learning Courses offered in the Hamilton Commons are geared toward adult learners with stories to tell. Classes cover such topics as camera usage, editing skills and documentary video production. Beginning and advanced classes — all taught using commonly available computer equipment and popular editing applications such as Final Cut Pro — are offered. WHYY's instructors are well versed in working with students at different skill levels, combining discussions of the storytelling process with the necessary technical skills. Questions? Please contact Craig Santoro at 215-351-3318

Course Offerings

C101 — Intro to Shooting Video

Interested in exploring digital video, but don't know where to begin? This class introduces you to the basics of operating a video camera, simple lighting techniques, framing shots and conducting interviews. You will have a hands-on opportunity to practice shooting and conducting interviews with your fellow participants. "Intro to Shooting Video" is a great starting point for people who are thinking of purchasing a camera, looking to get the most out of a camera they already own, or are hoping to interview friends or family members to capture their stories.

C102 — Intro to Video Editing

This class is designed as a starting point for people who are interested in exploring the world of editing video. In this 2.5 hour overview of the editing process, you will be introduced to the basics of video editing: how video clips are cut and arranged using Final Cut Pro software. You will learn to arrange footage on a timeline, use multiple tracks of video and audio and employ essential Final Cut tools to form a coherent story from stock footage. Note: In this class, you will be editing from stock footage. There is no need to bring footage with you.

C110 — Video Excursion: Shooting in the Field

Working with a small production team of fellow students, you will spend the morning shooting video and interviewing subjects in the neighborhood around WHYY. You will return to WHYY for an afternoon of Final Cut Pro editing instruction, using the footage you shot earlier in the day. No prior experience required. Students are encouraged to bring lunch.

Member course fee: $80
Non-member course fee: $140

C202 — Beginning Documentary Production

Make your own 3-5 minute documentary in this exciting four-session course. Learn to plan, shoot, and edit on Final Cut Pro as you craft your own short video. During the first two weeks of the course, you will be able to borrow a WHYY camera and microphone to capture original footage on your own. Note: You will be required to shoot footage outside of class time while taking this course, as you will be creating your own original piece. If you don't wish to create your own video and are only looking for editing skills, please consider taking "Editing on Final Cut Pro" instead. Prerequisites: If you are totally new to video production, it is recommended that you take Intro to Shooting Video and Intro to Video Editing before taking this course.

C301 — Intermediate Documentary Production

In this follow-up to the Beginning Documentary course, you will create a longer and more sophisticated piece. With a smaller class size and a focus on peer feedback, Intermediate Documentary Production allows you to discuss your ideas and rough cuts with other course participants in a workshop setting as you build on the skills you learned in the Beginning class. Prerequisite: Beginning Documentary Production is a pre-requisite for this course. If you have not taken the intro course but feel you have a similar level of experience, please contact us at 215-351-3318 before enrolling.

C401 — Advanced Documentary Seminar

In this six-session, monthly seminar, you will meet with a like-minded group of students looking to take their documentary production to the next level. Participants will be encouraged to serve as crew for each other, as they work on longer (15-20 minute) projects. Participants will be able to use WHYY's cameras, microphones, and edit suites, but will be expected to shoot and edit outside of class time. The actual class will be discussion-based and will involve group critique of participants' footage and rough cuts. Prerequisite: Intermediate Documentary Production is a pre-requisite for this course. If you have not taken that course but feel you have a similar level of experience, please contact us at 215-351-3318 before enrolling.

C204 — Editing with Final Cut Pro

In this three-session course, you will learn the most crucial video editing skills in Final Cut Pro: basic editing, title creation, sound mastering, color correction, chroma keying (green screening), transitions and filters and techniques used in narrative and documentary film editing. Note: You will not create an original piece through this course; you will be editing from stock footage. If you wish to create your own documentary video, please consider taking "Beginning Documentary Production" instead.

C203 — Audio Storytelling

Great audio storytelling is the hallmark of WHYY's radio service. In this four-session course, you will learn to tell stories with audio. Using narration, interviews and natural sound, you will craft a short audio piece on a topic of your choice.

C104 — Tell Your Story

In this one-hour experience, come to WHYY and interview a friend or family member, or be the subject of your own oral history. Learn to conduct a high-quality interview, and let the Public Media Commons staff handle the camera and lights. Leave with a 10-15 minute video keepsake to share with family and friends.

Member course fee: $50
Non-member course fee: $100

This experience is offered by appointment only. To make an appointment to tell your story, call 215-351-3318.

Explore other Public Media Commons courses

The Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons serves as a hub of media literacy for the Philadelphia area, a gathering place for educators, a hands-on learning environment for students and a venue for performers and lecturers.